Pope's Brazil trip spurs security, protest worries

'Bulletproofing would lessen our worries, it'd be better if he had it'

Published: 07/22/2013 at 6:01 PM

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Since taking the helm of the world’s biggest church in March, Pope Francis has waded into massive crowds with minimal protection to hug children and wash the feet of the faithful.

He has surrounded himself with everyday worshippers at every turn, winning acclaim that he’s breaking down barriers between the Vatican and the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

Yet for Brazilian security officials charged with protecting the 76-year-old pontiff with the common touch, his seven-day visit this week is an uncommon security challenge.